Ten minutes later, the same trick was repeated with Lukaku winning the header against Dejan Lovren. He teed up Alexis Sanchez, but a clearance fell to Rashford who found the net via a slight deflection from Alexander-Arnold’s heel.

Salah was in protective custody via the tenacity of Ashley Young and it was Bailly that provided the way back when he sliced his clearance beyond De Gea in the 66th minute.

Liverpool would say they had two valid penalty shouts which referee Craig Pawson waved away.

Salah had the last chance but he executed a poor volley with the chance to get the equaliser. United have now cemented their place in second place behind Manchester city with a five-point gap to Liverpool.

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